Find out about the exciting events happening at libraries near you
World Book Night on 23 April
World Book Night is a national celebration of reading and books for adults and young people. It always takes place on Wednesday 23 April every year. Why not visit one of our libraries with super access the evening of the Wednesday 23 April to pick up a book and start a new adventure. Some of our libraries will also be hosting events. These libraries are:
- Stoneleigh Library. From 6.30pm to 9pm. Visitors can enjoy a welcome glass of wine or prosecco. Other refreshments will be available. Try their book dip, interactive board and literary quiz in this free community celebration. The Surrey Storytellers will perform at 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm. For more details, visit the Stoneleigh Library events page.
- Oxted Library. Join staff for The Big World Book Night Quiz, 7pm to 9pm. For more information, see events and activities at Oxted Library.
- Godalming Library. Staff will be hosting an afternoon 'Shakespeare in Discussion' event to celebrate World Book Night and Shakespeare's birthday. For more information, visit Godalming Library webpage.
- Camberley, Dorking, Egham and Woking libraries will also be hosting special events. Please check their events webpages for more information.
Adult author event at Dorking Library
Join author Matt Graydon who will be talking about his new book "Leaving Fatherland". The book provides a unique take on what it was like to be in the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. At Dorking Library, Saturday 5 April, 2pm to 4pm. Tickets £3. Book your ticket via Surrey Libraries' Events.
Children's author event at Woking Library
Linda Chapman is the author of over 300 books! Find out about how she became an author and hear her read from her books. Come dressed as your favourite Linda Chapman book character and win a prize!
Suitable for children 5 years and older. At Woking Library, Thursday 17 April, 11am start. Tickets £3. Book via Surrey Libraries' Events.
New Reading Friends group at Cobham Library
Cobham Library has started a new Reading Friends group. This is a great opportunity to come together around a shared love of reading and have a cuppa. The group will meet the last Thursday of the month at 11am. Everyone is welcome. To find out how to sign up for this group, please visit our Reading Friends webpage.
There are also Reading Friends groups at Egham, Farnham, Godalming, Guildford and Horley libraries. Epsom Library will restart their Reading Friends group later in the year.
Free Easter holiday fun for families with Dogs Trust
Enjoy a family day out and learn some new tricks at our dog-focused, fun, educational workshop. This face-to-face event is packed with engaging dog-related games, activities, and role play. It's designed to teach children how to behave responsibly around our four-pawed friends, understand their body language, and keep them happy and healthy. The following libraries offer this exciting workshop:
- Merstham Library, Monday 7 April, 1.30pm
- Godalming Library, Tuesday 8 April, 1.30pm
- Redhill Library (The Belfry Centre), Thursday 10 April, 10.30am
- Dorking Library, Monday 14 April, 10.30am
- Horley Library, Tuesday 15 April, 2.30pm
- Reigate Library, Wednesday 16 April, 10.30am
This is a free 1 hour 30-minute event, aimed at families with children aged 7 to 11 years old. Book your session at Surrey Libraries' Events.
Endangered animals' creative workshops at Horley Library
Children aged 5 to 10 years old can find out about endangered animals with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation at Horley Library.
- Are Elephants afraid of Mice? Children can learn more about elephants and then design and create their own schemes to keep elephants away from the farmer's crops. Tuesday 8 April, 10.30am to 11.30am.
- Silhouettes and Sunsets. Children can make a wonderful African sunset using tissue paper and water. They can then produce their own animal silhouettes using prepared templates to stick on their sunset. It can be messy, so please dress appropriately. Tuesday 15 April, 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Book your session at Surrey Libraries' Events.
Supporting Independence Skills course
Independent Skills is an eight-week course, delivered in 14 libraries across Surrey. The course aims to empower residents to maintain independence and control over their own lives, for as long as possible. Courses include:
- Digital skills
- Physical, emotional and financial wellbeing
- Using your skills (volunteering)
- Help to stay independent
Sessions are delivered by our partners. These partners are: Trading Standards, Digital Welfare Support Officers and Community Connections Partners. More information and referral pathways can be found on the library independent skills webpage.
World Autism Acceptance Month – Obie and Tovertafel interactive gaming systems
World Autism Acceptance Month 2025 starts in April and is a chance to get everyone thinking differently. The month exists to celebrate the positive contributions of autistic people to society.
Surrey Libraries offers interactive gaming systems that are suitable for children and adults with complex and differentiated care needs, including autism. The projectors project engaging light games onto a table or floor, designed to stimulate on a social, physical, sensory and cognitive level. The gaming system Obie is available at Ash Library, and Tovertafel at Banstead Library.
Both Obie and Tovertafel also have Senior software packages, suitable for people with dementia.
To find out more, including any information about special Obie and Tovertafel events in April, please visit the Ash Library and Banstead Library webpages.
Able Like Mable – Gentle exercise classes at Dittons Library
Join one of our regular, seat-based exercise classes at Dittons Library. They are aimed at older people (over 65) but everyone is welcome. Run by one of our volunteers on a Thursday, 12.30pm start. Sessions are free. To sign up, please speak to a member of staff at Dittons Library or send an email to dittons.library@surreycc.gov.uk.
Street Art Graffiti classes for young people at Staines Library
In partnership with Surrey Arts, Staines Library will be hosting four Street Art Graffiti sessions on:
- Tuesday 1 April
- Tuesday 8 April
- Wednesday 16 April
- Tuesday 22 April
Times: 5pm to 6.40pm. Places are limited to 10 young people of secondary school age per session. To find out more, including how to sign up and our costs, please visit Staines' Events website.